What does "overlap" mean?

1. (to cover part of) to cover part of another object by resting on top of its edge. 2. (to share qualities or time) to happen at the same time or to share some of the same ideas. 3. (a shared area or part) the part of something that covers another thing, or the amount of shared interest. 4. (extra players) a situation in a game where one team has more players in an area than the other team.

overlap

v. · n.

US //ˈoʊvɝˌɫæp// over·lap

1 to cover part of (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to cover part of another object by resting on top of its edge.

to extend over and partly cover something else. Often used as a transitive verb or an intransitive verb with 'with'.

Example

The roof tiles overlap each other so that rain cannot get through.

Example

The geologist noted that the sedimentary layers overlap at the edge of the basin, indicating a period of rising sea levels.
- overlie
- cover
2 to share qualities or time (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to happen at the same time or to share some of the same ideas.

to have an area, range, character, or time period in common. Frequently used in academic contexts to describe shared theoretical or temporal space.

Example

Our jobs overlap a bit because we both work on the same project.

Example

The two historical eras overlap by nearly a decade, creating a transitional period where both old and new social norms existed simultaneously.
- coincide
- intersect
- diverge
- separate

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3 a shared area or part (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

the part of something that covers another thing, or the amount of shared interest.

the amount or degree to which two things cover each other or share common elements.

Example

There is a lot of overlap between the two science courses.

Example

The study identified a significant overlap in the symptoms of the two conditions, making an accurate diagnosis difficult for general practitioners.
- intersection
- commonality
- gap
4 extra players (n.)
C1 Advanced British English Sport

a situation in a game where one team has more players in an area than the other team.

a tactical situation in which the attacking side outnumbers the defensive line in a specific area of the field.

Example

The team missed a great chance because they didn't use the overlap on the left wing.

Example

By drawing the central defenders out of position, the winger created a two-man overlap that led directly to the winning goal.
- numerical advantage

Origin

From over- + lap. Cognate with Dutch overlap.